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enJust Peachyhttp://www.usahockeymagazine.com/article/2016-10/just-peachy
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By:&nbsp;</div>
<a href="/author/debra-rughoo">Debra Rughoo </a> </div>
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<p><span class="inline inline-left"><img src="http://www.usahockeymagazine.com/sites/default/files/images/Atlanta_1.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image image-_original " width="540" height="300" /></span></p>
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<p>When the Atlanta Thrashers relocated to Winnipeg in 2011, some wondered if hockey could survive in Georgia. Five years have passed, and the reports of the impending demise of the sport in the Peach State have not come to bear fruit.</p>
<p>Not only are more players involved in the sport today, but new rinks offer greater opportunities to play and more kids are playing at a higher level than ever before.</p>
<p>Chris Powers is a director with USA Hockey's Southeastern District. He recalls when it was first announced in 1997 that Atlanta would be getting another NHL team, there was a lot of interest and excitement. Around that time, more ice surfaces were being built in the area, including a new double-sheet facility called The Cooler.</p>
<p>A second sheet of ice was also added to the Duluth Ice Forum to accommodate the practice needs of the new NHL team.</p>
<p>This created additional ice for kids and adults to get involved in the sport, which helped the city deal with the growth that came with the Thrashers coming to town,&rdquo; Powers says.</p>
<p>Before the Thrashers played its first season in 1999, there were just 911 registered players throughout the state. That number more than doubled by the 2003-04 season, and surpassed 2,000 players just three years later.</p>
<p>Despite the predictions of impending doom brought on by the Thrashers' departure, the number of amateur players registered with USA Hockey has remained surprisingly consistent.</p>
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<p><strong><span class="inline inline-left"><img src="http://www.usahockeymagazine.com/sites/default/files/images/Atlanta_2.jpg" alt="Strong showings by the Atlanta Fire and Atlanta Phoenix at USA Hockey National Championships show the talent being produced in Georgia." title="Strong showings by the Atlanta Fire and Atlanta Phoenix at USA Hockey National Championships show the talent being produced in Georgia." class="image image-_original " width="540" height="300" /><span class="caption" style="width: 538px;">Strong showings by the Atlanta Fire and Atlanta Phoenix at USA Hockey National Championships show the talent being produced in Georgia.</span></span></strong>"Our retention rate has been really good,&rdquo; says Powers, who is also an American Development Model coordinator for the local affiliate. "We're doing a good job once we get kids in of keeping them, which is a real positive thing.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Part of the reason for steady growth has been the rise in the popularity of the sport among adult hockey players. Atlanta currently boasts one of the largest adult leagues in the country.</p>
<p>Another positive, Powers points out, is that two new rinks have been built in the Atlanta area since the Thrashers left, and one more will be constructed next year. Improvements are also being made to the existing facilities.</p>
<p>To introduce more kids to the sport, local associations have embraced USA Hockey's "Try Hockey for Free&rdquo; events, which are held twice a year. During the hourlong event held in November and February, kids ages 4 to 9 are provided loaner equipment and taught the basics of the game. Powers says roughly 60 kids turn out at the bigger facilities.</p>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">"When kids can come out and see the game at a high level,<br /> it makes it more interesting,&rdquo;</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">-Joe Gelderman</h3>
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<p>And while grassroots recruitment efforts are the lifeblood for any association's growth plans, as Powers points out, "there's nothing like a pro player wearing his jersey on the ice to really hook kids.&rdquo;</p>
<p>That's where the ECHL's Atlanta Gladiators, Boston Bruin's affiliate and the state's lone professional hockey team, have provided a huge assist.</p>
<p>Joe Gelderman is the Gladiators' vice president and general manager of Business Operations. Through his efforts, the team works hard to welcome youngsters into the game by allowing them to skate on the team's ice on Saturdays and invites them back for the game that night.</p>
<p>"When kids can come out and see the game at a high level, it makes it more interesting,&rdquo; Gelderman says. "That helps grow the number of kids who are going to the Try Hockey events and starting in house leagues. And growing those numbers is where it's most important.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The Gladiators also encourage their players to be active in the youth hockey community. Captain Derek Nesbitt, for example, is the director of player development for the Atlanta Fire, and head coach Andy Brandt is the youth hockey director at the Alpharetta Family Skate Center.</p>
<p><span class="inline inline-left"><img src="http://www.usahockeymagazine.com/sites/default/files/images/Atlanta_3.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image image-_original " width="540" height="300" /></span></p>
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<p>Retired NHL players are also helping to develop young players. Dan Bouchard, who played on Georgia's first NHL team, the Atlanta Flames, coached Life University's men's hockey club to five ACHA Division II championships and is also a goaltending instructor with the Atlanta Fire. Former NHLers Scott Pearson and Randy Boyd, and Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Glavine are also coaches in the Fire organization.</p>
<p>Retired NHLer Yan Kaminsky, meanwhile, is the hockey director at the Ice Forum facilities in Duluth and Kennesaw. He has seen the tremendous development of hockey in Georgia since first getting involved 16 years ago. Through the years, the Ice Forum has created programs ranging from cross-ice and Learn to Skate all the way up Tier I AAA.</p>
<p>And that has created a springboard for local players to compete at the highest levels of the game.</p>
<p>"A lot of kids from Georgia are playing college and Junior hockey,&rdquo; Kaminsky says.</p>
<p>Youth hockey teams from around the state are also making their mark on the national stage. The Fire won the Youth Tier II 12 &amp; Under USA Hockey National Championship in 2010, and the Atlanta Phoenix (pictured below) captured the Tier II 14U crown in 2013.</p>
<p>That type of success has also positively impacted what's going on in other parts of the South.</p>
<p>"What's good in Florida is good for Georgia, and what's good in Georgia is good for Carolina,&rdquo; Powers says. "For Atlanta kids, when they see kids from the South making it, it's validating.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Despite the doom and gloom predictions that the game would take a downturn after the Thrashers' migration to Winnipeg, the future looks sunny. Participation remains strong as associations embrace new membership initiatives and the addition of new rinks create more places for kids to play.</p>
<p>All of that means that things are just peachy for hockey in the Peach State.</p>
<hr style="color:#b4b4b4; opacity:.5;" />
<p style="color:#b4b4b4;"><em>By Debra Rughoo</em></p>
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<a href="/issue/2016-10">2016-10</a> </div>
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http://www.usahockeymagazine.com/article/2016-10/just-peachy#commentsNewsFri, 30 Sep 2016 16:52:39 +0000admin13488 at http://www.usahockeymagazine.comNew Registration Toolhttp://www.usahockeymagazine.com/article/2009-06/new-registration-tool
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<a href="/node/99">USA Hockey Magazine</a> </div>
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<p><span class="inline inline-none"><img src="http://usahockeymagazine.net/sites/default/files/images/09-06-news-Registration-3-kneel.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image image-_original " width="525" height="351" /></span></p>
<p>New for the 2009-10 season, USA Hockey is offering an end-to-end electronic solution for member programs to administrate and process their local registration online using a new EMS Registration Management Tool. </p>
<p>For the first time, local organizations will be able to log on to the USA Hockey Web platform and administrate and process their local registration without the need for additional software, a Web site or advanced technical expertise.</p>
<p>The EMS tool has been developed with local registrars in mind, providing a non-technical interface that allows the registrar to enter some basic information and publish a local registration process that not only integrates with USA Hockey&rsquo;s National database, but also produces a data file that will upload directly to Cyber Sport registration software, so that the registration process can be completed. (Note: USA Hockey Cyber Sport Registration Software is still required for all programs.)</p>
<p><strong>Features and Benefits of the EMS-RMT:</strong><br />&bull; Free to all USA Hockey member organizations<br />&bull; No special software to install<br />&bull; No technical expertise or technical implementation required<br />&bull; Full integration with the USA Hockey National Database for downloading online confirmation number data<br />&bull; Export Cyber Sport-ready registration files to complete your registration with USA Hockey<br />&bull; Customizable local registration forms<br />&bull; Accepts online payments<br />&bull; Unlimited registration events<br />&bull; No Web site necessary</p>
<p>To learn more log on to <a href="http://www.usahockey.com">USAHockey.com.</a></p>
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<h2>Catch Annual Congress Events On Your Computer</h2>
<p>You don&rsquo;t have to be in Colorado Springs this June to stay in the loop. USA Hockey will provide a video archive of its two town hall open sessions and its board of directors meeting during Annual Congress, which will be held June 3-6 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />The first town hall meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. on June 4, and will focus on the American Development Model. The second town hall meeting will deal with issues of growth and governance, and will start at 1 p.m. on June 4. Each town hall meeting will last for approximately 90 minutes.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />The board of directors meeting will take place on June 6 and will begin at 8:30 a.m. and run until approximately 12:30. This year&rsquo;s meeting will feature voting on rule change proposals. At the present time, there are approximately 140 rule change proposals being considered to take effect starting with the 2009-10 season.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />Log on to <a href="http://www.usahockey.com">USAHockey.com</a> to watch the video archive of these important meetings.</p>
<h2>Caracappa Named 2009-10 Fishman Intern</h2>
<p><span class="inline inline-left"><img src="http://usahockeymagazine.net/sites/default/files/images/0906-news-Fishman-Intern.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image image-_original " width="162" height="208" /></span>Matt Caracappa of Randolph, N.J., has been named the 2009-10 Brian Fishman Intern. He will work in the media and public relations department at USA Hockey&rsquo;s national office in Colorado Springs beginning in June.</p>
<p>A 2008 graduate of Penn State University, Caracappa interned in the media relations departments of the New York Rangers and State College Spikes, the minor league affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. </p>
<p>While at Penn State, Caracappa also co-anchored a weekly hockey show on the student-run radio station, and was a three-year member of the University&rsquo;s American Collegiate Hockey Association Div. II hockey team.</p>
<p>Recently, Caracappa served as the athletic communications intern for Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn., where he was responsible for the Web site for the University&rsquo;s 21 Div. I athletic programs.</p>
<h2>VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH</h2>
<p><span class="inline inline-right"><img src="http://usahockeymagazine.net/sites/default/files/images/0906-news-Volunteer-of-the-Month-0609.jpg" alt="Lori Kiegerl of Lenexa, Mo." title="Lori Kiegerl of Lenexa, Mo." class="image image-_original " width="180" height="208" /><span class="caption" style="width: 178px;">Lori Kiegerl of Lenexa, Mo.</span></span>As a dedicated hockey mom of four players ranging from Bantams to Atoms, Lori has volunteered her time to tirelessly promote youth hockey in the Kansas City area for the past 10 years. </p>
<p>She is currently serving as the president of the non-profit KC JR Outlaws Amateur Hockey Association. She has also worked as a team manager, division director, league administrator, league secretary, as well as league vice president. </p>
<p>Lori has three boys, Zack (15), Alex (12) &amp; Jake (6) as well as daughter Lauren (10) all playing in different divisions. She spends more time at the rink than most people.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I volunteer for my children and enjoy watching them excel at the sport they love,&rdquo; she says.</p>
<h6>photos - Mauro Sarri, USA Hockey</h6>
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http://www.usahockeymagazine.com/article/2009-06/new-registration-tool#commentsAnnual CongressBrian Fishman InternRegistrationUSA HockeyNewsWed, 03 Jun 2009 18:41:56 +0000501 at http://www.usahockeymagazine.comHockey Weekend Across America, OneGoal, Women's Hockeyhttp://www.usahockeymagazine.com/article/2009-02/hockey-weekend-across-america-onegoal-womens-hockey
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<a href="/node/12">Harry Thompson</a> </div>
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<p>Growing the game one mite at a time</p></h3>
<p>Want to know if the OneGoal equipment program is working? Just count the number of new kids on the ice.</p>
<p>So far, more than 11,000 sets of OneGoal starter equipment are currently in use at rinks and youth associations in the United States. Though just launched last fall, the equipment program has produced tremendous results.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />&ldquo;We marketed hockey and the OneGoal equipment with both our youth association and through the schools,&rdquo; said Craig O&rsquo;Neill from the Arctic Edge (Canton, Mich.). &ldquo;This fall we nearly doubled the size of our Learn to Play program, and went from 30 to over 50 in our Mite and mini-Mite programs.&rdquo;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />In Fond du Lac, Wis., new kids in hockey were allowed to play for free this season, and were given OneGoal equipment to use. Hyland Hills, Colo., is running a &ldquo;bring a friend to hockey&rdquo; day where all newcomers can try hockey while wearing OneGoal gear. Girls in Rochester, N.Y., will be able to join a free Learn to Skate program and use OneGoal equipment.</p>
<p>OneGoal starter equipment comes in two sizes &ndash; youth small, for 4- to 6-year-olds, and youth large, for 6- to 8-year-olds, &ndash; and includes shin pads, shoulder pads, elbow pads, pants, gloves, a helmet with cage, and it all comes in a OneGoal hockey bag.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />The equipment program is available to any rink operator, youth association, or retailer that wants to grow hockey participation in their community. </p>
<p>Programs around the country are already making plans to order equipment to use for next season. Orders will be accepted through March 1.</p>
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<h3>HWAA Ready For Successful Sequel</h3>
<p>Hockey Weekend Across America, presented by Reebok, is a three-day nationwide celebration of the sport of hockey. Each of the three days associated with Hockey Weekend Across America has a theme, including Wear Your Favorite Hockey Jersey on Friday, Bring a Friend to the Rink on Saturday and Celebrate Local Hockey Heroes on Sunday.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.HockeyWeekendAcrossAmerica.com">HockeyWeekendAcrossAmerica.com</a> will serve as the information hub for the event. It features material for download, including the event logo and poster. Anyone may download the artwork for the poster and have posters printed for use in conjunction with the event.</p>
<p>USA Hockey is conducting a contest for best Hockey Weekend Across America programming with the grand-prize winner receiving 25 sets of OneGoal starter equipment ($4,000 value), plus $2,000. Additionally, five runner-up prizes of $1,000 will be awarded.</p>
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<h3>Women&rsquo;s Tourney Added To Stable</h3>
<p>The Adult Council will operate an Adult Women&rsquo;s 50 &amp; Over Recreational National Championship, April 24 &ndash; 26 at the Ellenton (Fla.) Ice and Sports Complex.&nbsp; </p>
<p>Labatt Blue will be providing refreshments and prize&nbsp; giveaways.<br />&ldquo;We are happy to continue the tradition of providing a great event experience for all adult players,&rdquo; says John Beadle, USA Hockey&rsquo;s Adult Council chairman.</p>
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http://www.usahockeymagazine.com/article/2009-02/hockey-weekend-across-america-onegoal-womens-hockey#commentsHockey Weekend Across AmericaOneGoalWomen's HockeyNewsMon, 25 May 2009 19:58:03 +000026 at http://www.usahockeymagazine.com